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A career as a signaller

mwri

Member
Joined
20 May 2024
Messages
7
Location
Bingham
Hi all,

Have seen some grade 2 jobs come up for Lincoln, Sleaford and Boston, does anyone have any information on these? Shifts, box locations etc?

Guessing the Sleaford and Boston jobs would be boxes along the Skegness line but not sure about the Lincoln one?
 
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jazzalaa

Member
Joined
24 May 2024
Messages
16
Location
West Midlands
Hi all,

I'm due to start on the 16th September but have a few question...

- Are we to use our own laptops for the 2 weeks of home elearning?
- Obviously little kit is required as a signaller, but do we get anything when starting IST? Phone, laptop ect.
- Is uniform provided or is it pretty much casual?
- What times do classes at IST run from/too?

Anything else I should know to put my mind at ease would be much appreciated. Raring to go!
Hi. I start on 16th sept too. WMSC?
 

muz379

Established Member
Joined
23 Jan 2014
Messages
2,419
Hi all,

I'm due to start on the 16th September but have a few question...

- Are we to use our own laptops for the 2 weeks of home elearning?
- Obviously little kit is required as a signaller, but do we get anything when starting IST? Phone, laptop ect.
- Is uniform provided or is it pretty much casual?
- What times do classes at IST run from/too?

Anything else I should know to put my mind at ease would be much appreciated. Raring to go!
Firstly well done getting through the recruitment process and getting a start date .

-As others have said if you have one make use of your own laptop for e-learning . If not your LOM when you meet them might be able to organise one for you . Don't expect to be able to login to start the e learning for a few days after you start . You will have to visit your LOM at a NWR site to set up your different IT system accounts . But also the 2 weeks introduction to signalling e-learning didn't actually take 2 weeks . Try and take as much advantage of that easy two weeks because once you start IST it gets tough pretty quickly . If you have not already try and get familliar with the phonetic alphabet as you will be using it every day as a signaller . Also try and arrange some box visits during this time if you can to get a feel for the job and speak to some people actually doing it .

-I was given a laptop by the "training school" when I started IST . But only after I had done the 2 weeks e-learning . There will also be notepads , paper , pens , other general stationary provided . Only thing I really provided myself was flash cards and highlighters

-When at IST you just wear your own clothes , I think the contract says something about smart casual attire but most of us just wore jeans and t shirts . In my area they generally aren't bothered if you wear uniform or not when doing the job . I tend to wear the uniform T shirts / Sweatshirt or a fleece just because it saves me wearing my own clothes . I don't know anybody that has requested or wears the trousers though . I imagine your LOM will want to wait until you start training in the box before ordering uniform . Depending on access to the box you might need a Hi Viz as well if you go on or near the line to access your box .

-Class times are generally from 09:00-16:00 M-Thur then finished at 12:00 on friday for people travelling home . Times might vary slightly depending on your trainer . Some days we finished earlier if we had been covering quite a lot and it was clear people were starting to switch off . But be aware the course also requires you to put a lot of time in both practicing on the sim outside of class and revising for the exams . So for example if you are not travelling far to get home on the friday afternoon you might want to put a few hours in on the sim or with some of your group to revise . Likewise most evenings you will be doing some revision with the rest of your group in the hotel .
 

Ramrod93

Member
Joined
1 Mar 2024
Messages
5
Location
West Midlands
Hi all

I know it has been asked many times on this thread, but never really a simple answer given.
I was wondering if anyone is currently working in a grade 6 position as a signaller (or recently worked in the position) and could give me a rough ball park figure of what they take home each month (without overtime).

I appreciate it will change slightly most months due to unsociable hours, but as i say just ball park figure would be great.

Thanks in advance.
 

SH89

Member
Joined
26 Mar 2021
Messages
33
Location
Shrewsbury
Hi all

I know it has been asked many times on this thread, but never really a simple answer given.
I was wondering if anyone is currently working in a grade 6 position as a signaller (or recently worked in the position) and could give me a rough ball park figure of what they take home each month (without overtime).

I appreciate it will change slightly most months due to unsociable hours, but as i say just ball park figure would be great.

Thanks in advance.
It really does depends on where you work, but if you get 2 booked Sunday shifts a month, take home pay would be 3.4k ish every 4 weeks! Obviously lots of variables could increase/decrease that figure
 

muz379

Established Member
Joined
23 Jan 2014
Messages
2,419
Hi all

I know it has been asked many times on this thread, but never really a simple answer given.
I was wondering if anyone is currently working in a grade 6 position as a signaller (or recently worked in the position) and could give me a rough ball park figure of what they take home each month (without overtime).

I appreciate it will change slightly most months due to unsociable hours, but as i say just ball park figure would be great.

Thanks in advance.
The basic is £44373 once pension contribution has been taken it works out between £2550 & £2600 every 4 weeks depending on scheme if you dont do any overtime of nights .

On a typical 4 person roster with a day and night sunday every 4 weeks and 2 weeks of nights you are probably looking at something more like £3250 every 4 weeks .
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,638
Location
Yellabelly Country
Hi all,

Have seen some grade 2 jobs come up for Lincoln, Sleaford and Boston, does anyone have any information on these? Shifts, box locations etc?

Guessing the Sleaford and Boston jobs would be boxes along the Skegness line but not sure about the Lincoln one?
I suspect it may be a advert for the recruitment pool, but without any specific location identified. Internally the same recruitment notice is also showing Uttoxeter as a location.
 

mwri

Member
Joined
20 May 2024
Messages
7
Location
Bingham
I suspect it may be an advert for the recruitment pool, but without any specific location identified. Internally the same recruitment notice is also showing Uttoxeter as a location.
Thanks,

Yes I’d seen the Uttoxeter one as well, I’m just outside Nottingham so have applied for that one as well as all 3 of the Lincolnshire jobs - thinking Boston may be slightly too far if the one hour commute rule still applies but might just about fit into the other 3…

Second time applying after I missed out on an interview for a job on the Melton Mowbray line recently.
I’ve transferred my application from that one still using my original online test results, so fingers crossed I get a bit further this time…
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,638
Location
Yellabelly Country
Thanks,

Yes I’d seen the Uttoxeter one as well, I’m just outside Nottingham so have applied for that one as well as all 3 of the Lincolnshire jobs - thinking Boston may be slightly too far if the one hour commute rule still applies but might just about fit into the other 3…

Second time applying after I missed out on an interview for a job on the Melton Mowbray line recently.
I’ve transferred my application from that one still using my original online test results, so fingers crossed I get a bit further this time…
All the best.
 

Mists

Member
Joined
9 Aug 2024
Messages
16
Location
S.W. Wales
Anyone on here had an interview in the past week or two in South Wales, penitently waiting for the outcome of my interview!
Hello, I was interviewed a week ago and haven't heard anything yet. I was told I'd hear back either way within a week / week and a half so shouldn't be too much longer. Good Luck.
 

Swanseajack91

Member
Joined
11 Jul 2024
Messages
24
Location
swansea
Hello, I was interviewed a week ago and haven't heard anything yet. I was told I'd hear back either way within a week / week and a half so shouldn't be too much longer. Good Luck.
No news is good news I guess eagerly waiting, I always find it hard to gauge how an interview went. Good luck anyway!
 

Mists

Member
Joined
9 Aug 2024
Messages
16
Location
S.W. Wales
No news is good news I guess eagerly waiting, I always find it hard to gauge how an interview went. Good luck anyway!
Cheers. Personally I felt I didn’t do myself justice at interview, nerves got the better of me (first proper interview in 20 years!). But it’s all in the hands of the hiring manager now.
 

Amack92

Member
Joined
15 Nov 2018
Messages
35
Thanks,

Yes I’d seen the Uttoxeter one as well, I’m just outside Nottingham so have applied for that one as well as all 3 of the Lincolnshire jobs - thinking Boston may be slightly too far if the one hour commute rule still applies but might just about fit into the other 3…

Second time applying after I missed out on an interview for a job on the Melton Mowbray line recently.
I’ve transferred my application from that one still using my original online test results, so fingers crossed I get a bit further this time…
Me too mate! Good luck with the applications, fingers crossed!
 

Badger27

Member
Joined
10 Aug 2024
Messages
25
Location
Dumfries
Hi guys, I have read most of this whole thread and am now going to annoyingly ask some questions!

I have passed online assessment and done the video questions, also have some excellent feedback as well. I now have an interview in the 14th on top score platform I think it’s called. I presume this is a Teams style program?

The position is for grade 2 signaller in Dumfries? Has anyone else on here applied for this role?

After interview is their any other processes? I understand there is a medical but I presume that’s after being offered employment?

I start a new job in September and this process has took so long I am now in a situation where I want this role but may end up starting elsewhere, how long from experience do people think it will take to hear about interview result?

Thanks in advance
 

godfreycomplex

Established Member
Joined
23 Jun 2016
Messages
1,508
Hi guys, I have read most of this whole thread and am now going to annoyingly ask some questions!

I have passed online assessment and done the video questions, also have some excellent feedback as well. I now have an interview in the 14th on top score platform I think it’s called. I presume this is a Teams style program?

The position is for grade 2 signaller in Dumfries? Has anyone else on here applied for this role?

After interview is their any other processes? I understand there is a medical but I presume that’s after being offered employment?

I start a new job in September and this process has took so long I am now in a situation where I want this role but may end up starting elsewhere, how long from experience do people think it will take to hear about interview result?

Thanks in advance
Never heard of top score platform alas.

Just medical and any procedure on top of that

Usually a matter of a few weeks. Possibly less.

All the best!
 
Joined
4 Jan 2023
Messages
123
Location
Edinburgh
Hi guys, I have read most of this whole thread and am now going to annoyingly ask some questions!

I have passed online assessment and done the video questions, also have some excellent feedback as well. I now have an interview in the 14th on top score platform I think it’s called. I presume this is a Teams style program?

The position is for grade 2 signaller in Dumfries? Has anyone else on here applied for this role?

After interview is their any other processes? I understand there is a medical but I presume that’s after being offered employment?

I start a new job in September and this process has took so long I am now in a situation where I want this role but may end up starting elsewhere, how long from experience do people think it will take to hear about interview result?

Thanks in advance
Top score is just like a teams platform. I recommend you log on the day or a couple days before and ensure your device is compatible. I am sure that’s what my email recommended me to do at the time of my interview. Everything was fine, but it is good practice to ensure you aren’t panicking heading in to the interview because your device isn’t compatible. Good luck when it comes.
 

PTGRail

Member
Joined
18 May 2022
Messages
22
Location
London
I’ve searched through this thread about claiming the grade when moving to a new signalling position and seem to have found conflicting information. As I’m moving from grade 3 to grade 7, I’d just like to clarify which is accurate.

Some people seem to think I can only claim the grade 3 months after formal acceptance of the job offer. To add to this, the acceptance email has been delayed by around 6 weeks now, though the LOM advised I should be receiving it this week.

Others seem to think that as long as I have formally accepted, I can claim the grade 3 months after the closing date of the job advertisement. And others still seem to think the 3 months runs from when the job was first advertised.

As the job advert closed in May, assuming I can accept very soon, I’m almost at the 3 month mark already. So I’m just looking to clarify when I should be able to claim the new grade?

Many thanks!
 

godfreycomplex

Established Member
Joined
23 Jun 2016
Messages
1,508
I’ve searched through this thread about claiming the grade when moving to a new signalling position and seem to have found conflicting information. As I’m moving from grade 3 to grade 7, I’d just like to clarify which is accurate.

Some people seem to think I can only claim the grade 3 months after formal acceptance of the job offer. To add to this, the acceptance email has been delayed by around 6 weeks now, though the LOM advised I should be receiving it this week.

Others seem to think that as long as I have formally accepted, I can claim the grade 3 months after the closing date of the job advertisement. And others still seem to think the 3 months runs from when the job was first advertised.

As the job advert closed in May, assuming I can accept very soon, I’m almost at the 3 month mark already. So I’m just looking to clarify when I should be able to claim the new grade?

Many thanks!
12 weeks after the closing date of the job advert I believe
 

SH89

Member
Joined
26 Mar 2021
Messages
33
Location
Shrewsbury
I’ve searched through this thread about claiming the grade when moving to a new signalling position and seem to have found conflicting information. As I’m moving from grade 3 to grade 7, I’d just like to clarify which is accurate.

Some people seem to think I can only claim the grade 3 months after formal acceptance of the job offer. To add to this, the acceptance email has been delayed by around 6 weeks now, though the LOM advised I should be receiving it this week.

Others seem to think that as long as I have formally accepted, I can claim the grade 3 months after the closing date of the job advertisement. And others still seem to think the 3 months runs from when the job was first advertised.

As the job advert closed in May, assuming I can accept very soon, I’m almost at the 3 month mark already. So I’m just looking to clarify when I should be able to claim the new grade?

Many thanks!
It’s definitely 12weeks after the advert closed, went through it myself last year, you need to request from LOM an application for 12 week grade entitlement form, then submit to LOM/HR, takes a while to sort but they backdate it!
 
Joined
15 Apr 2020
Messages
353
Location
Wakefield
I’ve searched through this thread about claiming the grade when moving to a new signalling position and seem to have found conflicting information. As I’m moving from grade 3 to grade 7, I’d just like to clarify which is accurate.

Some people seem to think I can only claim the grade 3 months after formal acceptance of the job offer. To add to this, the acceptance email has been delayed by around 6 weeks now, though the LOM advised I should be receiving it this week.

Others seem to think that as long as I have formally accepted, I can claim the grade 3 months after the closing date of the job advertisement. And others still seem to think the 3 months runs from when the job was first advertised.

As the job advert closed in May, assuming I can accept very soon, I’m almost at the 3 month mark already. So I’m just looking to clarify when I should be able to claim the new grade?

Many thanks!
And to add - the 12 week clock only starts at the close of the job advert if you are moving into a vacant position which is open and ready to accept you.

If someone is in the role waiting to leave, then the clock starts when they leave it.
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,638
Location
Yellabelly Country
I’ve searched through this thread about claiming the grade when moving to a new signalling position and seem to have found conflicting information. As I’m moving from grade 3 to grade 7, I’d just like to clarify which is accurate.

Some people seem to think I can only claim the grade 3 months after formal acceptance of the job offer. To add to this, the acceptance email has been delayed by around 6 weeks now, though the LOM advised I should be receiving it this week.

Others seem to think that as long as I have formally accepted, I can claim the grade 3 months after the closing date of the job advertisement. And others still seem to think the 3 months runs from when the job was first advertised.

As the job advert closed in May, assuming I can accept very soon, I’m almost at the 3 month mark already. So I’m just looking to clarify when I should be able to claim the new grade?

Many thanks!
I've attached the relevant page from the terms and conditions Red Book.
IMG-20240811-WA0002.jpg
 

gazgareth

Member
Joined
11 Jan 2024
Messages
51
Location
Staffordshire
I did the online tests for the grade 2 role in Uttoxeter. Is there any way of getting feedback on the results? It's just out of interest really, I couldn't afford to take the job as the pay would be too low.
 

SNAK

Member
Joined
17 Jun 2024
Messages
6
Location
Swindon
Just got an email mention that the IST will commence on 11th Nov as well.

Seems we will be classmates
Oh great! Be nice to know of someone else in the class from this forum. Will you be based in Didcot as well, or just on the same IST?
 

bhabloke

Member
Joined
27 Apr 2023
Messages
51
Location
Burgess Hill
And to add - the 12 week clock only starts at the close of the job advert if you are moving into a vacant position which is open and ready to accept you.

If someone is in the role waiting to leave, then the clock starts when they leave it.
I am currently a pool signaller grade 2. I recently interviewed for a grade 9 post and was successful. The closing date for this was 10th May. I have accepted the job. Does this mean I should be entitled to grade 9 pay after 2nd August (already passed now)? There was a vacancy on the panel and I am not waiting for someone to move out of the box.
I have yet to pass out on the panel.
 
Joined
15 Apr 2020
Messages
353
Location
Wakefield
I am currently a pool signaller grade 2. I recently interviewed for a grade 9 post and was successful. The closing date for this was 10th May. I have accepted the job. Does this mean I should be entitled to grade 9 pay after 2nd August (already passed now)? There was a vacancy on the panel and I am not waiting for someone to move out of the box.
I have yet to pass out on the panel.
It sounds like you’re already in the job? If you’re from a pool of signallers they presumably aren’t holding you jobless in the pool?
You can only claim the grade of the new job if you are prevented from moving from your old position to start your new position by more than 12 weeks (usually because they are having to recruit to fill your old job)
 

DC36

Member
Joined
15 Jul 2022
Messages
24
Location
Lincolnshire
Hi all,

Have seen some grade 2 jobs come up for Lincoln, Sleaford and Boston, does anyone have any information on these? Shifts, box locations etc?

Guessing the Sleaford and Boston jobs would be boxes along the Skegness line but not sure about the Lincoln one?
The Lincoln boxes would be Langworth, Wickenby and Holten-Le-Moor. All 3 operate 8 hour shift patterns and are open 24/7 with the exception of 0600-1100 on a Sunday.
 

mwri

Member
Joined
20 May 2024
Messages
7
Location
Bingham
Me too mate! Good luck with the applications, fingers crossed!
Cheers mate, you too!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

The Lincoln boxes would be Langworth, Wickenby and Holten-Le-Moor. All 3 operate 8 hour shift patterns and are open 24/7 with the exception of 0600-1100 on a Sunday.
Great, thanks for the info!
Think I know the Langworth location, driven past it many times on the way to Skegness…
 

Badger27

Member
Joined
10 Aug 2024
Messages
25
Location
Dumfries
From peoples experience. If successful on interview how long is it until course start dates? I presume a medical and references are also needed after being offered a job?

I ask because my interview is tomorrow, I have 2 holidays booked before Christmas. Panicking now if this may put them off hiring me.
 

Ducatist4

On Moderation
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
988
Location
Mansfield
Surely you would give up your holiday to accept your dream job? It may be possible to delay your start but i really wouldn't count on it, they might just move onto the next person. See if you get the offer first though!
 

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